National Independent Venue Association Partners With Brewers Association to Present the Live Music Stage at This Year’s Great American Beer Festival
NIVA’s “Live Independent” Presents the Mile High Stage as the Premier Craft Beer Event Moves to Levitt Pavilion in Denver, October 10–11
DENVER, CO (Sept. 30, 2026) – The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) today announced its official partnership with the Brewers Association’s Great American Beer Festival (GABF®), the nation’s premier craft beer celebration, as the two-day festival moves outdoors to Denver’s independent live music venue, Levitt Pavilion, a proud NIVA member. Taking place on October 10 and 11, NIVA will present the “Live Independent” Mile High Stage as an event sponsor for GABF, featuring performances by Low Cut Connie and Próxima Parada.
The partnership is part of NIVA’s Live Independent certification program launched in partnership with Bandsintown. The initiative includes efforts to amplify independent events, spotlight artist tours through monthly playlist features, and recognize independent venues through the Live Independent seal. It also includes the first-ever “Live Independent Tour” certification program, announced last month. Through Live Independent promotion on the Bandsintown platform, more than 55 million fans have discovered shows and purchased tickets at independent venues and festivals.
“NIVA’s partnership with GABF on the ‘Live Independent’ Mile High Stage marks a meaningful alliance, as like-minded independent communities join forces to celebrate and support one another,” says Stephen Parker, NIVA Executive Director. “Through the Live Independent initiative, NIVA’s mission is to build and strengthen the independent live entertainment ecosystem where independent artists perform, beverages are sold, and fans can have meaningful experiences.”
After more than four decades as a cornerstone of American beer culture, GABF’s move outdoors to the Levitt Pavilion and its sponsorship program with NIVA signals a time of adaptation for craft beer, and a future that’s bold, vibrant, and open to change.
“This year marks an exciting new chapter for the Great American Beer Festival, one that brings fresh energy to an iconic event while staying rooted in what has always made GABF special - independent breweries, incredible beer, and the community that surrounds them,” says Lacey Gautier, Vice President, Events & Sales, Brewers Association. “We’re grateful to NIVA and Levitt Pavilion for their partnership and for helping us bring this new experience to life. The ‘Live Independent’ Mile High Stage is a natural expression of our shared values, and we see exciting opportunities to continue exploring how independent beer, music, and live experiences can come together in meaningful and creative ways.”
ABOUT NIVA
The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) is the nation’s live entertainment association, representing independent venues, festivals, promoters, and presenters across the United States. NIVA works to preserve and nurture the ecosystem of independent stages. NIVA empowers members and their teams with member benefits, advocacy on the state, local, and federal levels, an annual industry-leading conference, and more.
NIVA led the Save Our Stages campaign, culminating in landmark legislation in 2020 that established the $16.25 billion Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program, the largest arts investment in U.S. history.
NIVA is committed to equity in its support of independent stages. It seeks to create and encourage opportunities for venues, promoters, and festivals owned, operated, and staffed by people of color, women, non-binary, LGBTQ+, veterans, and people with disabilities.
ABOUT THE BREWERS ASSOCIATION
The Brewers Association (BA) is the not-for-profit trade organization representing more than 9,300 small and independent American brewers, their beverages, and the community of craft beer enthusiasts. The BA champions the independent craft brewer seal—a trusted symbol that helps consumers identify beer brewed by small and independent producers.
The BA organizes some of the industry’s most influential events, including the World Beer Cup®,
Great American Beer Festival®, Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America®, and American Craft Beer Week®. It also publishes The New Brewer® and, through Brewers Publications®, remains the country’s leading publisher of brewing literature. Beer lovers can explore the world of craft beer at CraftBeer.com.
CONTACT
Lucky Break PR
Kris Ferraro, Kris@luckybreakpr.com
Mike Stommel, Mike@luckybreakpr.com
